Cincinnati Star Cornerback Speaks On Getting Benched Ahead Of Last Season

DJ Turner II discusses his early-season benching and how he bounced back to have a standout year for the Bengals.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:10pm

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Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II opened up about getting benched ahead of the 2025 NFL season, revealing that head coach Zac Taylor had a conversation with him about the decision. Turner said he was determined to regain his starting job and went on to have a strong season, including a game-winning interception against the Browns in Week 1.

Why it matters

Turner's story highlights the ups and downs that even star players can face in the NFL, and how they respond can make or break their careers. The Bengals will need Turner to continue his strong play as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season.

The details

Turner, a former standout at the University of Michigan, had a breakout rookie season with the Bengals in 2024 before missing the final six games due to a broken clavicle. Heading into 2025, Turner was expected to be a key part of the Bengals' secondary, but was surprisingly benched for the season opener. In an interview, Turner said coach Zac Taylor called him in to explain the decision, telling him it was only for the first week. Turner responded by saying he would 'get it back' and went on to have a strong season, including a game-winning interception against the Browns in Week 1.

  • In 2024, Turner missed the final six games of the season due to a broken clavicle.
  • Ahead of the 2025 season, Turner was benched for the Bengals' season opener.
  • In Week 1 of the 2025 season, Turner had a game-winning interception against the Browns.

The players

DJ Turner II

A rising star cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals who had a breakout rookie season in 2024 before missing time due to injury, and then bouncing back with a strong 2025 campaign.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals who had a conversation with Turner about benching him for the season opener, but ultimately supported him in regaining his starting job.

Joe Flacco

The quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, whose pass was intercepted by Turner in the final minutes of the Week 1 game against the Browns.

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What they’re saying

“'I appreciate Coach Zac [Taylor] doing this. A lot of times in the league, if you get benched, it is what it is. But he wanted to call me in. So he called me in, and he was like, 'I just want to tell you, we're gonna decide to go with somebody else for the first week. It was only a first week thing, but, you know, stay locked in.'”

— DJ Turner II, Cornerback

“'And I just told them, I said, 'Alright, bet, but I'm gonna get it back.' That's all I said, 'you know, when I get it back. I'm not hearing that I'm coming off the field.'”

— DJ Turner II, Cornerback

What’s next

The Bengals will need to decide whether to extend Turner's contract before he enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2026.

The takeaway

Turner's story shows the resilience required to succeed in the NFL, as even star players can face adversity like being benched. His ability to bounce back and have a standout season is a testament to his talent and mental toughness, and the Bengals will hope he can continue that level of play going forward.